I have been apart of the differently abled community for 40 plus years. DAFI is an amazing organization that touches many lives including my own. The volunteers, hartists and angels have built a beautiful caring, giving and heartfelt community that anyone can be apart of. Their volunteers work tirelessly to get supplies in the hands of the hartists multiple times per year at no cost. Have I mentioned none of the volunteers are paid? Every penny raised from their monthly auctions go to towards supplies and shipping to the hartists. Care and her crew encourage both the hartists and angels (donors) to get “creating” which lifts your spirits and gives you a sense of fulfillment. Please, please consider becoming a part of this organization. The monthly auctions are a blast and I can guarantee you will be hooked. I’m so honored to be part of this awesome community. Thanks for all you do DAFI. ❤️❤️❤️
dAfi has been a life preserver in a sea of pain. I am able to create art which helps improve my pain level. It also relieves the hardship of not being able to afford supplies. By donating my art back to them gives me a sense of purpose.
The volunteers lift me up with encouragement. I feel empowered when I can create art supplies into something positive.
This is a wonderful nonprofit. They help people with disabilities, like myself. They send donated crafting items to us so we can create artwork. Whether it’s painting, sewing, card making, jewelry making, etc. This Foundation has helped me find joy again. The crafts I make give me a purpose. To be honest, it saved my life.
dAFi helps vulnerable individuals be included in the arts community by providing supplies, support and an outlet for them to be able to create.
Having had a career in working with individuals with varying abilities, my admiration of all they achieve with the donations they receive is vast. It is a proven fact that being able to create has many benefits for both physical and mental health, and that it can reduce stress, anxiety and depression as well as helping with fine motor skills.
The dedication of their volunteers is exemplary, from the receiving of physical donations, to the packing and shipping out the quarterly boxes of supplies, to being available to help organize and run their online auctions, these individuals deserve to be recognized,.
Please support this wonderful foundation as it is truly a worthwhile and beneficial cause.
I love supporting DAFI. Great group of volunteers running the program successfully for years. Art is therapeutic. Art is healing.
I learned about this organization from a friend. It’s amazing how dedicated they are in helping disabled artists.
I was a normal guy who went to work everyday until November 16th 2021 that day I had a medication issue and I passed out behind the wheel and went off the road flipped my car full time and got ejected out 70 feet my life would never be the same. I had my spleen removed that day miraculously because a friend of mine seen the wreck on the news and noticed it was my car which I have no family in the state I live in so there was nobody to give permission to do surgery on me so basically I would have bled to death if he didn't see that well he had my mother's phone number who lives in Massachusetts and she got a hold of the hospital and she gave them all the permissions and that saved my life I woke up a week later when I woke up I couldn't move I had tubes coming out of me everywhere I thought my life was over it was one thing that kept me going and that was the thought of my children not having a father and I already had two children at this point with it and I had one on the way the first person I seen when I woke up was my beautiful girlfriend who was pregnant with my third third kid it was ultimately her first but overall it gave me hope about a month later I was able to walk I was able to talk was able to function pretty normally except I couldn't move my left arm all that good I could still feel it I could still move it I can still pick things up and stuff like that they decided that it was time to put a plate and screws into my shoulder and they did that on December 1st 2021 since that day I have not been able to move fail touch pick up or do anything with my left arm the pain has been excruciating I am currently miserable to the extent where I am taking painkillers almost every couple hours of everyday I did not want to do that but it's the only thing that makes this manageable tomorrow I am going into have a nerve block put into my neck that will hopefully relieve a lot of the nerve pain and damage that has been done by the doctor that drilled into my brachial plexus when he attached the plate. I'm an artist I've always been an artist ever since I realized I could draw at the age of five it's been my whole life it's what I've done it's what I've been good at it's what I always wanted to be right now I can't even afford supplies for myself to do the kind of artwork I like to do which is spray painting which is legal to do here in the town I live in at the skatepark so all of last summer kids would meet me there and I would teach him skills and techniques that I have learned over the years and it was a safe and positive environment for them to express their artistic abilities without the fear of getting in trouble now I'm reduced to pen and paper I have a wacom tablet then I draw on a lot that my beautiful girlfriend got me I do have a lot of spray paint still but I have not yet gone out and actually tried to paint because of the weather I believe I still have the skill I believe I have the motivation and desire I just don't know if my body can hold up to the physical demands of actually standing and moving around for hours painting and making a wall beautiful. I've decided to ask a lot of my Facebook friends and family to donate art supplies for kids who can't afford them because now I know what that feels like to not be able to have something that you completely want and desire but you cannot get because it is just out of reach because of financial situations I believe every kid should be able to express themselves in a way that they see fit and if art is what they want to do I support it if acting is what they want to do I support it but for me art is a it holds a special place in my heart because it's always kept me rooted level-headed and has improved my life in so many ways so I will be donating to you guys anything that is donated to me for kids that just can't afford it and just love to draw and I mean that's a passion so I'd rather go without and let another human to something they love cuz that will make me feel good about myself I will be okay eventually and I will get back on my feet to the point where I will be able to get back to where I was with my art supplies and all that it's just going to take a year or two and I'm open to donations myself especially any kind of paint that comes in a can it would positively affect my life greatly but this ain't about me this is about helping others achieve what they want to do in life and I feel like I've had a chance to do a lot and I want to give that chance to other children / adults who just don't have that opportunity I hope you guys read this I hope you guys get something out of it if you guys got any questions please reach out you can contact me through my phone number which is 774 427-9517 my Facebook which is under my name Ryan Costa my Instagram which is thegiftedone1390 or my email address which is walsworthtech1@gmail.com hopefully I'll be able to do some good and support somebody who really really desires the ability and skill of artwork thank you
My friend Teri is a member and she is disabled. I was recently diagnosed with Lupus and now I walk with a cane and have musculoskeletal issues with my hands and legs. She recommended this foundation to me as I am very low income. I make YouTube videos for fun. I don’t make any money from my crafting, but that’s not why I make the videos. I am thankful I was approved because I can keep doing the things I love to do. Crafting helps me with my depression. Thank you to Carehart and Mrs. Jean for everything they do for those of us who are disabled or less abled than we used to be!
What a fantastic group of giving artists and crafters. I was drawn to this group at first by their monthly auctions with lovely craft supplies. I am an avid crafter and enjoy the many high quality items that I have purchased. As I got to know the members a bit, I became a huge fan. The work that they do to bring joy and art to others in need is a HUGE and Healing Gift! There are not only the supplies monthly to a growing group of Hartists, but tutorials on what can be done with those supplies. So much thoughtfulness and Heart goes into these packages. I have made donations and even helped by sewing bags that the monthly packages get packed into and they are Jam-Packed. When you enjoy crafting, you cannot resist wanting to share the joy with others that you feel when creating. I am very proud to feel that I am even a small part of this wonderful community. Many Thanks to you all!
This is such a heart felt foundation that has brought so many people from all walks of life together with such amazing support. The spiritual and mental uplifting of crafting and meeting new people has been just incredible. Thanks to Care and everyone who helps and contributes. May everyone be blessee for many years to come.
The Disabled Artists Foundation really has been a life saver; I have always been a crafter, then I got sick, now I have many limitations including left side paralysis. The craft supplies, classes and community, all help me focus on what I am still able to do and finding ways to adapt the techniques instead of wallowing in the pain and limitations. The crafts allow me to be productive in some small way so that I don't feel useless or get depressed.
I try to donate regularly to dAFi. They send my good friend a package each month filled with art materials she would not be able to afford on her disability income. She has bipolar disorder and creating art helps her focus and gives her a healthy outlet for energy that could be used in less positive ways. I have seen the difference in what a simple art kit can do in ones life. A kit may not be a necessity like food or shelter but it can be medicine for the soul.
My name is Susan T. I have been with Dafi now for over a year . They are a God sent to me and my life. I am a crafter and artist. They send me free of any charge to me a monthly package containing craft supplies to help me try to get motivated to create art. Most of the items are new. I look forward to receiving their gift every month. It makes me feel like someone cares about me and my need to create. . The people are so nice and helpful and try to make it their priority to try to send things out to all of the hartist things they request and need. There shipping cost they absort . The Hartist pay NOTHING. THANK YOU CAREHART. THEY TRUELY CARE ABOUT US .
I am a disabled artist. Currently wheelchair bound. I was struggling with deep depression and loneliness. Some days I didn't even get out of bed. I was introduced to this organization and quickly they reached out to me. I was contacted and checked on often. They helped me see that I'm worth fighting for. Every month I received a package of supplies. It gave me something to look forward to. I used the Art therapy method to deal with my chronic pain. I slowly started lifting myself up and I wanted to lift up others. dAFi gave me the opportunity to reach out and help others as well. I have now been out of the depressed state I was in for over a year. I have never experienced love from strangers as I do from dAFi. I feel like I have a family. So many people search for something to give their life meaning and dAFi helped me find mine. The love and attention they give to people is unreal.
When I lost my Son in 2017, my depression got worst. I turned to my crafting. With the help from DAFi I was able to make my crafting projects. Each month that I receive a package puts a smile on my face.
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I am so greatful for the Disabled Artist Foundation Inc. (dAFi). Every month I get a special package from them to craft something.. I am disabled and dont get out much. I am depressed and crafting helps me to battle it.. I lost my Son in 2017 which has almost distroyed me. I was on meds for it that almost killed me because the Dr prescribed the wrong meds and caused me to have a bad seizure .. Any way, this is a wonderful group they do so much for the community and all across the United States.. I really get so excited when I get my package of goodies each much.. its brings me so much happiness
This foundation is a Godsend. It gives me a sense of community and allows me to connect with other disabled artist. We are one big crazy artist family. The monthly packages bring joy to my life and gives me so many ideas to create and take my mind off my pain. Care is such a sweetheart as is everyone else who helps run everything. My life is so much better since joining. I love, love everything about this!!!
The Disabled Artists Foundation is a grass roots charity organization which I am very happy to support. Not only does the organization make a difference in people's lives by providing art supplies, they also provide inspiration and a community, both of which are invaluable and has improved my own life tremendously. Becoming a volunteer has given me an even greater appreciation for this organization as I get to witness firsthand the love and dedication of the founder and the other volunteers. I recommend this organization to anyone who could use a lift in their spirits by either participating as a client, a contributor, or a volunteer.
I have volunteered for the Disabled Artists Foundation for a little over a year now. This organization has been a godsend for the wonderful people it serves, as well as for me. I have had rheumatoid arthritis for over 20 years but in the past two years it has become severe and disabling. I turned to art, specifically mandala painting, for some solace and found it gave me great relief. A friend told me about Care Hart and her work for disabled artists and I immediately reached out to see how I could help.
I have had many things happen in the past year that have been devastating, as I am certain many people have. But working with Care and the Disabled Artists Foundation has given me a new purpose and a reason to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I have spent a lifetime working hard to make a difference in people's lives, and I am so thankful that despite my disability I am still able to continue to do so.
The Disabled Artist Foundation Inc. is truly a down-to-earth place to find yourself. People are treated with the utmost respect no matter the circumstance. The amount of care and attention put forth is amazing. It is an honest pleasure to be part of such a caring organization.
Last year, when they locked us down for covid i lost my job of 10 years. It was more than a job to me, the people felt like family. I felt like something broke in me when i lost the job, gained 20 pounds. I became depressed. Never experienced anything like it. Almost felt paralyzed. This group is helping me come out of it. I see the beautiful pieces they post and love the different personalities. The packages we get in the mail are unbelievable. It's hard to believe people can be so selfless. The time it takes to put the bags together and planning the projects. Amazing! I am a very private person so this isn't easy but i love this group so much i had to be honest and post.
I will forever be grateful to these precious people. I don't post my projects much because i see so many extremely talented artist in this group. But I'm stretching and growing and crawling out of this deep hole, because of them and with the help of God.
I receive a wonderful package each month from Dafi. It really helps me each time because I am on a limited income. Folks associated with this organization are so friendly and helpful. Even though I am disabled Crafting gives me a sense of achievement and takes my mind off of my disabilities.
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This charity has helped me in my time of need. The arts and craft supplies they send each month has helped me thru some dark days with my disability. The private group they have provided for us hartists have become like a second family to me. The love and support I receive from other hartists and all the angels have made a big impact on my day to day happiness and well being. I have said many prayers of thankfulness for God sending the charity to me.
I find it absolutely wonderful that fellow artists are finding ways for everyone to play in art. I absolutely adore Carolyn Hart aka Care Bear. She takes it to heart. If one contacts her in need of prayers, Carolyn personally asks everyone to lift them up. You won't only find Angels but you'll find a family of caring individuals. All of the Angels donate supplies, money or prayers. The auctions are fun filled delightful minutes that don't go to waste. The organization is a true blessing for everyone, including the lonely.
My life changed when i was told by my doctor you cannot work. Your disabled. So i found myself at home fighting for 3years now to get social security, dealing with my husband who has an extremely bad heart in the hospital every 3 months about and now im diabled. I was wondering how this applied to me in my own mind. Depression really took hold of me and dealing with all my physical and mental disabilities well let me just say i was in a very bad place. To make a long story short (if i can) my life was saved by DAFI. we get crafts bags every month and yes that is amazing and i am extremely grateful but more than that i had gained a family. A family that started with my amazing beautiful angel Care that threw me a lifeline and i slowly crawled out of my hole. My family is a family of online craft friends. Not only do we share our art but we share our experiences. We are all there for others. I can reach out if i need help and they are always there just like i will always be there for them. So i am so incredibly lucky to have DAFI And all that comes with it...my new family. I could talk so much more but I am pretty sure your all tired of my talking. My love goes out to everyone❤❤❤
Years ago I did crafts and liked it but I quit because I got busy with life. Raising three children is hard being a single mother. I just didn't have time. Kids are now grown and I was trying to figure out what to do with my life when I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. I was always at one doctor or another. After the treatments all I could think about was the side effects of the treatments. I needed an outlet. My sister introduced me to the Disabled Artists Foundation. Doing the crafts again helps me forget the pain for a little while. I have started painting again, making crafts, and even making fairy tree houses out of trash. I can't thank them enough for helping me ease my pain. I could have never afforded the supplies they help me with. They are wonderful, giving and truly a blessing.
Disabled Artist foundation has been a life saver. Not just the monthly packages. But more importantly the friendships that are formed. All the crafting lessons that you learn. But we are a family that really care about each other. I like to call it the Blind Love Group, because even though we don't see each other there is so much love, laughter and lessons. If it had not been for DAFI I don't think I would be here.
Harpists is an organization more needed now than ever. It provides supplies as well as inspiration to disabled artists that can’t for various reasons get on their own, it is needed and so appreciated!
dAFi is my saving grace to be able to create and pull my mind from medical issues. When your finances are low and you can't afford to even buy a bottle of glue. This nonprofit was here to assist me with free art supplies and the best part is we do not have to cover the shipping costs. If I could give them 100 stars... I would. dAFi is a great nonprofit.
I have never found an organization that is more passionate and focused on actually helping people before I found Dafi. They are amazing and they do amazing things for the art community.
Without DAFI program I would not be able to cope with having a terminal illness. I live off very little from S.S.I and can’t afford a lot of crafting supplies. Getting supplies each month allows me to work on something and keep my mind off of the pain I live with all day every day.
This is an extraordinary group. They are very giving and helpful. It’s an amazing thing that they do for disabled artist
dAFi is amazing in the amount of effort and time it spends empowering disabled artists to create by supplying both supplies and education. The foundation goes above and beyond to be inclusive, kind, and supportive to everyone in their program. I love volunteering for dAFi!
This is one of the best organizations I have seen. Often people with a disability are also on a budget so art supplies aren’t easy to get. There are packages sent out to the people monthly so they have some supplies to work with. One volunteer makes YouTube videos of how the supplies can be used and encourages the artists to share there ideas also.
This organization also does an online auction. I’m not an artist but I craft so I have gotten items from the auction. The purpose of the auction is to help with supplies and shipping cost. There are some amazing items in these auctions it’s worth taking a look at you won’t be disappointed!
DAFI is a grass roots foundation that supplies creative project kits and art supplies to disabled artists. Dafi has created a community of artists and supporters that find common ground through the love of creative self expression. If you have a love for arts and crafts I would encourage you to reach out and see where you can make a difference in the DAFI foundation.
This charity is dear to people I love, and they provides valuable service that allows disabled artists continue to do what they love.
really amazing organization. Well organized and they care about their artists. From sending wish list items or things someone will love and even the colors they prefer. Doing fundraisers to raise money and keeping the community involved in order to give back to the differently abled artists they support. They also have built a lovely community for friendships to be made across the nation.
DAFi is my favorite charity . As a disabled artist myself, I understand the importance of improving the quality of life for those with disabilities whatever they may be. Further, I did my research and found that no salaries are paid and every penny goes to the advancement of the foundation’s mission. I love this wonderful organization!
I love being an angel for our Disabled Artists Foundation. I suffer with a physical disability and going into my craft room to paint gives me a few hrs away from the pain. I love to make 'painted papers' and then doodle on them for collage art material. I send them to DAFI to sell in the auction fundraisers or to be sent out in packets for the hartists. I get pain relief, the artists get art materials to use in art or get inspiration from, and I feel like I've made a difference in the world. Its a win/win for everybody.
Myself and my son are part of the hartist! It has not only brought me and my son closer but also being involved in making awesome creative art together is priceless. He has gained the ability to have fun with me! And to me that is something I won’t take for granted. Also dafi has gave him the ability to express himself in art and in his drawings! Thank you for the work you all do. And I look forward to the future and growth of the foundation.
I got involved in this foundation, probably about a year now and it has developed into so much more for me. I started sending care packages of unused and unloved art supplies to the foundation and they sent them on to our Hartists. Now I am taking care of the hartists wish list, I mail to individual hartists and I’m designing kits and building kits for them. I myself am now receiving donations for the foundation. I am able to build amazing kits to send. This has been the most awesome organization to be a part of I believe it is my calling.
Care Hart and Dafi have been able to get me back to crafting again! I have slowly been losing the ability to use my right (dominant) hand and arm since 2011, and DAFI has helped me regain my interest! They send me these wonderful jammed-full packages every month and even some professional-grade artist supplies! Thank you so much! Love you dearly!